Title: Changes and Discoveries
Author: Gaudicia
Read disclaimer, author's note in the first ch.
Changes and Discoveries 3
Max knew there was nothing wrong with Liz coming in with a guy behind her, what really bother him was the fact that the guy had his hands all over her. Max didn't want there to be any misunderstandings and he wasn't about to let anyone take Liz away from him. "Liz, who's your friend?"
Liz noticed the jealousy in Max's voice and inwardly smiled, "Oh, Max this is Chris. Chris this is Max." Liz introduced them as she watched Max. Liz enjoyed watching how Max's eyes would travel from Chris' face to his hands on her waist. Max's jealousy was obvious to her, and to everyone else.
Chris stayed behind Liz willing her to hide him from Max's glare. Chris was glad when he heard Josh groan. Chris didn't want to be in the line of fire and from what Liz told him he knew better than to come between her and Max. Chris turned where the sound came from and called, "Josh, need any help?"
"Of course, he doesn't!" Claire answered before Josh could. Earning a groan from both Josh and Chris. "Josh, doesn't need any help. He is fine on his own." Claire turned her gaze towards Josh, "Aren't you, sweetie?"
"No, not at all," defeated, Josh continued to carry the bags, while he muttered under his breath. "What does she have in here? Bricks?"
"I heard that!" Claire called out. "Liz, aren't you going to introduce us?"
To Max's relief Liz stepped out of Chris' embrace. "Yeah, I'm just waiting for Josh. He is always the slow one." Liz said trying not to smile when she heard Josh murmur, "You would also be slow if you had to carry six suitcases filled with bricks."
Michael came from the back of the Crashdown, since the cook was late again; he was called to fill in his spot until the cook got there. Michael neared them and saw Max glaring at Chris. Michael patted Max in the back. "I see you've met Chris. How did it go?"
Max's only answer was turning his glare from Chris to Michael.
Josh put the suitcases in a corner, and approached them. "I'm here, your Highness," Josh said half joking-half serious.
Liz glared at Josh, "Good, turtle. Now we have to wait for the others to get here."
Liz having said those words Alex hand in hand with Isabel came throw the door, Maria complaining behind them.
Alex seeing Liz, Max, Michael, and some other guys there, he headed towards them. Alex eyed Chris who had his hand again on Liz's waist. Alex protectiveness took over and rudely asked, "Who are you?" Alex didn't care if it sounded rude, he loved Liz and Maria like sister, and his job was to protect them.
Chris wondered what was up with everybody. 'Do I have a sign that says pick on me?' Chris extended his arm towards Alex, "Hi, I'm Chris, and you are?"
Alex just looked at Chris' hand not planing on shaking, but he wasn't left with a choice once Isabel elbowed him. "I'm Alex."
Liz inwardly smiled at Alex's protectiveness. "Alex, guys, this is Claire, Josh, and Chris. Claire, Josh, Chris, this is Alex, Max, you already know Michael, and this fine ladies are Isabel and Maria."
They all muttered a hello, all of them except Isabel and Maria. Liz looked at them to see what was up with them. Liz saw Isabel and Maria's eyes glazed over, not hiding the fact that they were checking out Chris and Josh. Maria and Isabel were practically drooling, literally.
Now it was Alex and Michael's turn to glare at Chris and Josh. They stood possessively besides their woman's side, and dropped their arm over the girl's shoulder. Alex and Michael noticed that Isabel and Maria hadn't noticed their presence, so they pinched them, immediately bringing them out of their daze.
Isabel and Maria blushed at being caught. Embarrassed, they both muttered a hello.
Maria for the first time noticed Claire. "Oh, you are here."
Claire not liking Maria's tone of voice at all, said, "Yeah, so what? You have a problem with that? And I would appreciate it if you stop drooling over my boyfriend." To prove her point Claire wrapped her arms around Josh's waist.
"UGH! I am not drooling over your boyfriend!" Not knowing what else to do Maria took Michael by his hand, and dragged him over the nearest booth.
Liz shook her head, and looked disapprovingly at Claire. 'Some things never changes.' "Claire, stop bothering Maria." Seeing Claire was about to protest Liz added, "And I don't care who started it."
Liz and Claire's eyes locked in a silent, defying war of who would have the last word. The tension in the room raised, until finally Claire dropped her eyes and bowed her head in a sign of surrender.
Maria smiled with satisfaction at the display; her smile quickly vanished when she heard Liz's voice. "And Maria the same goes for you."
The temperature in the room seemed to have dropped. They were all glad when a waitress came to take their order, while muttering, "Just because she the daughter of the owner doesn't mean she can just slack around."
They sat in their usual booth adding a few chairs around it; they could still feel the tension, but not as strong as before.
Isabel knew something had to be done, so she said the first thing that came to mind. "So you were the ones that convinced Liz to get a tattoo?"
Claire curious as to what Isabel wanted, followed along. "Yeah, you like it? Maybe you could get one yourself."
"It's nice and all, but it's not my style. I'm curious, how did you convince Liz to get a tattoo?" Isabel asked, not wanting to drop the subject. This question drew everyone's attention; they also wanted to know what could have possible driven Liz to get a tattoo.
At this point Liz interfered, "I think, you should be asking me that question, not my cousin. Well, if you must know, it was actually my Aunt's idea. Claire was just there when I did it."
By Liz's tone of voice they could see that was all she was going to say. After a while everyone started talking even thought there was still some hostility.
Isabel tried her best to keep her attention on the conversation, but she couldn't. Isabel kept staring at Chris, she found him handsome-not as handsome as Alex, but Chris was something new. He had black hair and brown eyes, he was well built and his skin color was a little dark, he was nothing out of the extraordinary, but there was something about him that could catch any girl's attention.
Maria was also in her own little world. She couldn't believe a stuck up like Claire could get such a hunk boyfriend. Josh was tall and muscular, his skin color was kind of olive, his hair was dark brown, and his eyes were light blue, you could lose yourself in them.
Isabel and Maria were oblivious to Max, Michael, and Alex glaring, or of their own little staring.
Michael, Max, and Alex wanted to kill Chris and Josh. 'Who do they think they are?! Taking away our girl's attention.' Even though they were trying their best to keep glaring at them, their eyes would drift to the red head besides Josh and Chris. They weren't attracted to Claire, but there was something about her that drew their attention. She was petite; she had red hair, hazel eyes and olive skin. After the display she had with Liz they knew she had a strong character.
Liz was trying her best not to laugh, but she couldn't help but grin. Everywhere she looked she found something to laugh about. Like Claire was squirming in her seat by the staring she was receiving from Michael, Alex, and Max, or how Chris and Josh looked like they wanted the ground to open up and swallow them, because of the guys glaring. Max, Michael, and Alex seemed like they didn't know what to do, or they wish they could grow another pair of eyes for every chance they got they would look at Claire with tail of their eyes and glare at both Chris and Josh from time to time. Liz knew this wasn't good for them, they didn't felt comfortable with each other, and whether they liked it or not they would have to work together. "Guys, could you stop the staring and glaring? It's getting on my nerves!"
Max, Maria, and Isabel were the first ones to react to Liz's voice; unfortunately Michael and Alex got caught up in staring at Claire for a second, just enough time for Maria and Isabel to notice.
Unknown to Michael and Alex, Maria and Isabel slide closer to them and when they were close enough they raised their hands and smack them in the head, earning a yelp from Michael and Alex. Michael and Alex didn't asked why they hit them, they already knew they had been caught staring. 'Why were they angry? They were also staring at the guys.'
Liz couldn't help it any longer and began laughing soon the others followed, breaking the tension that had plagued them since the beginning. She knew why they were staring at Claire and the guys; even Alex who knew Claire was staring at her. Liz also knew that she couldn't tell them, they still weren't ready to know the truth and she also wasn't ready to tell it.
Alex wondered if he all the time he spend with the Czechs had some effect on him and turned him into a punching bag, since Isabel seemed to be having a blast hitting him every time she had a chance. After finally being able to put the pain aside, he asked, "Where will you guys be staying?"
Claire didn't know how to answer they still hadn't talked about that. Liz seeing Claire's dilemma, answered, "Here, of course." To Claire, Josh, and Chris benefit she added, "Mom and Dad won't have a problem with it, and there's plenty of room."
Maria bluntly asked, "Even Josh and Chris?" When Maria saw Liz nod, she muttered, "Lucky you."
"I heard you!" Michael said, as he drew her closer to his side.
They were interrupted again by an annoying voice. "There's a party, and I wasn't invited?"
"Tess, don't make a scene," Max pleaded.
Josh, Chris, Claire knew who she was long before they heard her name, and immediately they were glaring daggers at her.
Claire couldn't take it any longer, she had to speak, "I guess, they knew you would invite yourself. But I would really appreciate it if you could seat somewhere else, I don't want you to damage my reputation."
Tess managed to put on a hurt look on her face, and silently left the Crashdown. Max looked between the group and Tess; finally he got up and went after her.
They were all dumbfounded and kept staring after Max, like he had grown another head. They looked from the spot Max occupied to Liz's who pain flashed in her eyes, but was quickly concealed, making them think it was their imagination. They wondered when had Liz gotten so good at hiding her feelings.
Chris saw the pain that flash in Liz's eyes and how quickly she hid it, but he knew better. He drew her closer to him, and dropped his arms over her shoulders.
Chris leaned towards Liz and whispered, "Liz, don't worry. History won't repeat itself."
"I hope so…" Liz muttered, quietly.
"We better go. It's late and I'm sure Liz needs to set things up for Chris, Claire, and Josh." Isabel knew Liz was hurt. 'I'm going to have a nice, long talk with Max.' Seeing Alex and Michael were still seated, she grabbed them both by the ears and hissed, "Let's go." Complaining they followed Isabel outside. Isabel stopped at the entrance, and turned back. "Liz, we'll see you tomorrow, okay?" When Isabel saw Liz nod she left.
"I don't care what you have to say to Max. When we see him, I'll be the one that's going to do the talking. Is that cleared?" Isabel demanded.
Maria, Michael, and Alex fearfully nodded; they could practically see the steam leaving Isabel's head.
"Good. Alex, take me home."
Alex said good bye to Michael and Maria, and hastily followed Isabel to his car.
Maria just stood glaring at Michael. "What were you doing? Staring at Claire like that!"
"What?!"
Maria put her hands on her hips and stomped her foot. "You heard me, Michael! Why were you staring at Claire?"
"Maria, excuse me, but you were the one that was literally drooling all over those guys!" Michael defended himself.
"Oh, Michael, I had no idea!"
Michael got a confused look on his face. "What?" Michael asked oblivious as to what Maria meant.
Maria got closer to Michael, and wrapped one arm around him and she put her other arm in his chest where her palm laid flat, and she leaned closer like she was going to tell him her biggest secrets. She brought her lips to his ear and whispered, "I didn't know you could get jealous! You are just so cute!"
Maria grinned at Michael's confused look. She kissed him on the cheek, and stepped out of their embrace.
Maria got inside her car and started it, when she looked at the sidewalk where she had stood with Michael, she saw Michael was still standing there. She opened the car's window and impatiently yelled, "Michael, are you coming?"
Michael didn't say anything; he just opened the door to the passenger's seat and shook his head. 'Who can understand her? She can change moods like a light switch.'
---
The ride to the Evans' house was silent. Alex parked the car, and they stayed silent for a few more minutes until Alex finally spoke, "Are you okay?"
Isabel sighed, "I'm just so angry with Max. How could he go after Tess?!"
Alex grabbed Isabel's hand and brought it to his lips. "I know, I have faith you'll put him on his place."
They saw the lights go on inside the house, they knew it meant it was time for Isabel to go inside.
"Alex, you'll pick me up tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
Isabel gave Alex a goodnight kiss, got out of the car, and headed to her house.
When Alex saw Isabel had made it safely to her house he left.
---
Once they saw Isabel leave, Josh, Chris, and Claire turned to Liz. Claire got up from her seat and hugged Liz, "Are you okay?"
Liz returned her hugged, "Yeah, don't worry about it. Let's go upstairs, we have to set things up."
They knew the change of subject meant she wasn't ready to talk about what took place. They followed Liz to the apartment, when they got there it was dark and quiet. They were startled when suddenly someone turned on the lights of living room.
Liz saw who had turned the lights on and asked, "What are you doing here?"
To be continued…
Author: Gaudicia
Read disclaimer, author's note in the first ch.
Changes and Discoveries 3
Max knew there was nothing wrong with Liz coming in with a guy behind her, what really bother him was the fact that the guy had his hands all over her. Max didn't want there to be any misunderstandings and he wasn't about to let anyone take Liz away from him. "Liz, who's your friend?"
Liz noticed the jealousy in Max's voice and inwardly smiled, "Oh, Max this is Chris. Chris this is Max." Liz introduced them as she watched Max. Liz enjoyed watching how Max's eyes would travel from Chris' face to his hands on her waist. Max's jealousy was obvious to her, and to everyone else.
Chris stayed behind Liz willing her to hide him from Max's glare. Chris was glad when he heard Josh groan. Chris didn't want to be in the line of fire and from what Liz told him he knew better than to come between her and Max. Chris turned where the sound came from and called, "Josh, need any help?"
"Of course, he doesn't!" Claire answered before Josh could. Earning a groan from both Josh and Chris. "Josh, doesn't need any help. He is fine on his own." Claire turned her gaze towards Josh, "Aren't you, sweetie?"
"No, not at all," defeated, Josh continued to carry the bags, while he muttered under his breath. "What does she have in here? Bricks?"
"I heard that!" Claire called out. "Liz, aren't you going to introduce us?"
To Max's relief Liz stepped out of Chris' embrace. "Yeah, I'm just waiting for Josh. He is always the slow one." Liz said trying not to smile when she heard Josh murmur, "You would also be slow if you had to carry six suitcases filled with bricks."
Michael came from the back of the Crashdown, since the cook was late again; he was called to fill in his spot until the cook got there. Michael neared them and saw Max glaring at Chris. Michael patted Max in the back. "I see you've met Chris. How did it go?"
Max's only answer was turning his glare from Chris to Michael.
Josh put the suitcases in a corner, and approached them. "I'm here, your Highness," Josh said half joking-half serious.
Liz glared at Josh, "Good, turtle. Now we have to wait for the others to get here."
Liz having said those words Alex hand in hand with Isabel came throw the door, Maria complaining behind them.
Alex seeing Liz, Max, Michael, and some other guys there, he headed towards them. Alex eyed Chris who had his hand again on Liz's waist. Alex protectiveness took over and rudely asked, "Who are you?" Alex didn't care if it sounded rude, he loved Liz and Maria like sister, and his job was to protect them.
Chris wondered what was up with everybody. 'Do I have a sign that says pick on me?' Chris extended his arm towards Alex, "Hi, I'm Chris, and you are?"
Alex just looked at Chris' hand not planing on shaking, but he wasn't left with a choice once Isabel elbowed him. "I'm Alex."
Liz inwardly smiled at Alex's protectiveness. "Alex, guys, this is Claire, Josh, and Chris. Claire, Josh, Chris, this is Alex, Max, you already know Michael, and this fine ladies are Isabel and Maria."
They all muttered a hello, all of them except Isabel and Maria. Liz looked at them to see what was up with them. Liz saw Isabel and Maria's eyes glazed over, not hiding the fact that they were checking out Chris and Josh. Maria and Isabel were practically drooling, literally.
Now it was Alex and Michael's turn to glare at Chris and Josh. They stood possessively besides their woman's side, and dropped their arm over the girl's shoulder. Alex and Michael noticed that Isabel and Maria hadn't noticed their presence, so they pinched them, immediately bringing them out of their daze.
Isabel and Maria blushed at being caught. Embarrassed, they both muttered a hello.
Maria for the first time noticed Claire. "Oh, you are here."
Claire not liking Maria's tone of voice at all, said, "Yeah, so what? You have a problem with that? And I would appreciate it if you stop drooling over my boyfriend." To prove her point Claire wrapped her arms around Josh's waist.
"UGH! I am not drooling over your boyfriend!" Not knowing what else to do Maria took Michael by his hand, and dragged him over the nearest booth.
Liz shook her head, and looked disapprovingly at Claire. 'Some things never changes.' "Claire, stop bothering Maria." Seeing Claire was about to protest Liz added, "And I don't care who started it."
Liz and Claire's eyes locked in a silent, defying war of who would have the last word. The tension in the room raised, until finally Claire dropped her eyes and bowed her head in a sign of surrender.
Maria smiled with satisfaction at the display; her smile quickly vanished when she heard Liz's voice. "And Maria the same goes for you."
The temperature in the room seemed to have dropped. They were all glad when a waitress came to take their order, while muttering, "Just because she the daughter of the owner doesn't mean she can just slack around."
They sat in their usual booth adding a few chairs around it; they could still feel the tension, but not as strong as before.
Isabel knew something had to be done, so she said the first thing that came to mind. "So you were the ones that convinced Liz to get a tattoo?"
Claire curious as to what Isabel wanted, followed along. "Yeah, you like it? Maybe you could get one yourself."
"It's nice and all, but it's not my style. I'm curious, how did you convince Liz to get a tattoo?" Isabel asked, not wanting to drop the subject. This question drew everyone's attention; they also wanted to know what could have possible driven Liz to get a tattoo.
At this point Liz interfered, "I think, you should be asking me that question, not my cousin. Well, if you must know, it was actually my Aunt's idea. Claire was just there when I did it."
By Liz's tone of voice they could see that was all she was going to say. After a while everyone started talking even thought there was still some hostility.
Isabel tried her best to keep her attention on the conversation, but she couldn't. Isabel kept staring at Chris, she found him handsome-not as handsome as Alex, but Chris was something new. He had black hair and brown eyes, he was well built and his skin color was a little dark, he was nothing out of the extraordinary, but there was something about him that could catch any girl's attention.
Maria was also in her own little world. She couldn't believe a stuck up like Claire could get such a hunk boyfriend. Josh was tall and muscular, his skin color was kind of olive, his hair was dark brown, and his eyes were light blue, you could lose yourself in them.
Isabel and Maria were oblivious to Max, Michael, and Alex glaring, or of their own little staring.
Michael, Max, and Alex wanted to kill Chris and Josh. 'Who do they think they are?! Taking away our girl's attention.' Even though they were trying their best to keep glaring at them, their eyes would drift to the red head besides Josh and Chris. They weren't attracted to Claire, but there was something about her that drew their attention. She was petite; she had red hair, hazel eyes and olive skin. After the display she had with Liz they knew she had a strong character.
Liz was trying her best not to laugh, but she couldn't help but grin. Everywhere she looked she found something to laugh about. Like Claire was squirming in her seat by the staring she was receiving from Michael, Alex, and Max, or how Chris and Josh looked like they wanted the ground to open up and swallow them, because of the guys glaring. Max, Michael, and Alex seemed like they didn't know what to do, or they wish they could grow another pair of eyes for every chance they got they would look at Claire with tail of their eyes and glare at both Chris and Josh from time to time. Liz knew this wasn't good for them, they didn't felt comfortable with each other, and whether they liked it or not they would have to work together. "Guys, could you stop the staring and glaring? It's getting on my nerves!"
Max, Maria, and Isabel were the first ones to react to Liz's voice; unfortunately Michael and Alex got caught up in staring at Claire for a second, just enough time for Maria and Isabel to notice.
Unknown to Michael and Alex, Maria and Isabel slide closer to them and when they were close enough they raised their hands and smack them in the head, earning a yelp from Michael and Alex. Michael and Alex didn't asked why they hit them, they already knew they had been caught staring. 'Why were they angry? They were also staring at the guys.'
Liz couldn't help it any longer and began laughing soon the others followed, breaking the tension that had plagued them since the beginning. She knew why they were staring at Claire and the guys; even Alex who knew Claire was staring at her. Liz also knew that she couldn't tell them, they still weren't ready to know the truth and she also wasn't ready to tell it.
Alex wondered if he all the time he spend with the Czechs had some effect on him and turned him into a punching bag, since Isabel seemed to be having a blast hitting him every time she had a chance. After finally being able to put the pain aside, he asked, "Where will you guys be staying?"
Claire didn't know how to answer they still hadn't talked about that. Liz seeing Claire's dilemma, answered, "Here, of course." To Claire, Josh, and Chris benefit she added, "Mom and Dad won't have a problem with it, and there's plenty of room."
Maria bluntly asked, "Even Josh and Chris?" When Maria saw Liz nod, she muttered, "Lucky you."
"I heard you!" Michael said, as he drew her closer to his side.
They were interrupted again by an annoying voice. "There's a party, and I wasn't invited?"
"Tess, don't make a scene," Max pleaded.
Josh, Chris, Claire knew who she was long before they heard her name, and immediately they were glaring daggers at her.
Claire couldn't take it any longer, she had to speak, "I guess, they knew you would invite yourself. But I would really appreciate it if you could seat somewhere else, I don't want you to damage my reputation."
Tess managed to put on a hurt look on her face, and silently left the Crashdown. Max looked between the group and Tess; finally he got up and went after her.
They were all dumbfounded and kept staring after Max, like he had grown another head. They looked from the spot Max occupied to Liz's who pain flashed in her eyes, but was quickly concealed, making them think it was their imagination. They wondered when had Liz gotten so good at hiding her feelings.
Chris saw the pain that flash in Liz's eyes and how quickly she hid it, but he knew better. He drew her closer to him, and dropped his arms over her shoulders.
Chris leaned towards Liz and whispered, "Liz, don't worry. History won't repeat itself."
"I hope so…" Liz muttered, quietly.
"We better go. It's late and I'm sure Liz needs to set things up for Chris, Claire, and Josh." Isabel knew Liz was hurt. 'I'm going to have a nice, long talk with Max.' Seeing Alex and Michael were still seated, she grabbed them both by the ears and hissed, "Let's go." Complaining they followed Isabel outside. Isabel stopped at the entrance, and turned back. "Liz, we'll see you tomorrow, okay?" When Isabel saw Liz nod she left.
"I don't care what you have to say to Max. When we see him, I'll be the one that's going to do the talking. Is that cleared?" Isabel demanded.
Maria, Michael, and Alex fearfully nodded; they could practically see the steam leaving Isabel's head.
"Good. Alex, take me home."
Alex said good bye to Michael and Maria, and hastily followed Isabel to his car.
Maria just stood glaring at Michael. "What were you doing? Staring at Claire like that!"
"What?!"
Maria put her hands on her hips and stomped her foot. "You heard me, Michael! Why were you staring at Claire?"
"Maria, excuse me, but you were the one that was literally drooling all over those guys!" Michael defended himself.
"Oh, Michael, I had no idea!"
Michael got a confused look on his face. "What?" Michael asked oblivious as to what Maria meant.
Maria got closer to Michael, and wrapped one arm around him and she put her other arm in his chest where her palm laid flat, and she leaned closer like she was going to tell him her biggest secrets. She brought her lips to his ear and whispered, "I didn't know you could get jealous! You are just so cute!"
Maria grinned at Michael's confused look. She kissed him on the cheek, and stepped out of their embrace.
Maria got inside her car and started it, when she looked at the sidewalk where she had stood with Michael, she saw Michael was still standing there. She opened the car's window and impatiently yelled, "Michael, are you coming?"
Michael didn't say anything; he just opened the door to the passenger's seat and shook his head. 'Who can understand her? She can change moods like a light switch.'
---
The ride to the Evans' house was silent. Alex parked the car, and they stayed silent for a few more minutes until Alex finally spoke, "Are you okay?"
Isabel sighed, "I'm just so angry with Max. How could he go after Tess?!"
Alex grabbed Isabel's hand and brought it to his lips. "I know, I have faith you'll put him on his place."
They saw the lights go on inside the house, they knew it meant it was time for Isabel to go inside.
"Alex, you'll pick me up tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
Isabel gave Alex a goodnight kiss, got out of the car, and headed to her house.
When Alex saw Isabel had made it safely to her house he left.
---
Once they saw Isabel leave, Josh, Chris, and Claire turned to Liz. Claire got up from her seat and hugged Liz, "Are you okay?"
Liz returned her hugged, "Yeah, don't worry about it. Let's go upstairs, we have to set things up."
They knew the change of subject meant she wasn't ready to talk about what took place. They followed Liz to the apartment, when they got there it was dark and quiet. They were startled when suddenly someone turned on the lights of living room.
Liz saw who had turned the lights on and asked, "What are you doing here?"
To be continued…